A Look at a Few Available Experienced OTs

A key need for the Colts this offseason is to upgrade the O-Line, specifically at left tackle.  Typically, teams have four ways to fill a need - through the draft, via trade, by signing a restricted free agent to an offer sheet, or via unrestricted free agency.  Unfortunately, due to the "Final Eight" rule, the Colts do not realistically have that last option available.

 

This post explores a few experienced players available and grades the likelihood that we'll see a move toward them.

Flozell Adams, Cowboys

Age: 34

Height: 6'7"

Weight: 338
Seasons: 12

 

via nbcsportsmedia2.msnbc.com

 

SB Nation Scouting Report:

Assets	Huge and athletic. Has a long wingspan and uses his arms very well to punch and frustrate pass rushers. Can be a dominating run blocker. A focused and very disciplined lineman.
Flaws	Isn't always in top condition. Can be out-leveraged and beaten on double moves by quicker defenders. Tends to wear down at times.
Career Potential	Multiple Pro Bowler.

 

I don't follow the NFC, but even I am aware of Flozell's propensity to be a penalty machine, both for personal fouls and for false starts.  The guy actually has a Facebook fan club devoted to his false starts! A possible explanation for the latter is that Flozell is partially deaf in his right ear.  For a guy who plays LT, this is a serious liability - and if we're looking for someone who can wait patiently while Peyton goes through his pre-snap calls, Adams has a knock against him.

 

Although Adams is huge, I just don't see the Colts pursuing a guy who by NFL standards is geriatric.  The penalty situation seals the deal.  Polian prefers young, fresh talent, even if it is unproven at the pro level.  But, Adams is technically an option, so I decided to include him.

 

 

Jared Gaither, Ravens

Age: 24

Height: 6'9"

Weight: 330

Seasons: 3

 

via media3.washingtonpost.com

 

SB Nation Scouting Report:

 

Assets	Simply huge, and very fluid and athletic for a man of his dimensions. Has natural mass and muscle to go with his incredible length. Can simply dominate as a blocker when on his game.
Flaws	Didn't commit to his education in college and ended up a supplemental draft pick. Needs to prove he can sustain his focus, intensity, and commitment in the NFL.
Career Potential	Starting offensive tackle with star tools.

 

Gaither has proven his ability at the pro level, and barring additional injury, still has many years ahead of him.  In 2009, neck, foot and toe problems kept him from starting all except 11 games.  He did suffer a scary neck stinger against the Patriots that resulted in his lying on the field for 15 minutes and having to be carted off.

 

The commitment comments would cause me a little concern, and his name hit the radar recently when John Harbaugh called him out for not immediately attending the off-season conditioning program.  Still, the scouting report comments are a bit dated and he did eventually appear back in Baltimore.  He has even been a good soldier recently, proclaiming on Twitter how happy he is to be back with the team (wink, wink).

 

Gaither was tendered at the first round level, but rumors have been floated that he may be available for something less than that.  This is as strong a signal as any that interested teams don't have to sign Gaither to an offer sheet, but that he may be available via trade.

 

 

 

Marcus McNeill, Chargers

Age: 26

Height: 6'7"

Weight: 336
Seasons: 4

 

via 619sports.net

 

SB Nation Scouting Report:

Assets	A rare specimen of size who can also play the game. Is a great run blocker who is figuring out how to get the most out of his ample dimensions. Versatile enough to play both on the left or right side of the line.
Flaws	His size can also work against him. He sometimes gets stood up by quick ends and that can negate his natural advantages.
Career Potential	Very good starting lineman.

 

A 2nd round pick out of Auburn, McNeill is a two-time Pro Bowler (as an alternate) who has started all 62 games in which he's played.  By all accounts, the guy is of solid character, and he's also tough, playing with both hands broken in 2006!  Tendered at the first round level, there's a chance he would be available, but Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune believes the Chargers would match any offer sheet.

 

Mike Florio <3's the idea of the Colts pursuing McNeill, but it seems unlikely that Polian would spend a lot of energy to put together an offer sheet that would likely be matched.  I also don't see him employing the poison pill tactic; as much as the Colts might want to stick it to the Chargers (who have killed a couple of their playoff runs), poison pills breed bad blood.  During this time of CBA uncertainty, management needs to remain united and Polian is too smart to piss off someone who he has previously lauded as "a quintessential football man."

 

 

Other available players:

Below is a list of Tackles listed on NFL.com as either Released or RFA.  I believe that those whose 2010 team is listed have simply signed their RFA tenders, but that offer sheets are still possible.  Let me know if any of these interest you and I'll do some digging: